Conservation corner
Submitted by Sgt. Greg Kruger
The Invermere Conservation Officer Service is assisting BC Parks with an ongoing investigation involving a significant removal of large, live, Douglas Fir trees over this past winter. Along the main road through Columbia Lake Provincial Park, 29 recently cut Douglas Fir stumps, debris left from bucking, limbing, and cutting, as well as ruts left behind by a vehicle and/or trailer were discovered. Harvesting sites were adjacent to the road, either directly beside it or at most 40 metres from it.
Judging by the gaps between piles of sawdust left behind, some of the timber removed was likely bucked for firewood. At other sites, large gaps, or the absence of, between piles of sawdust indicate that large logs were removed for milling. Scuffs found on the ground and on the sides of nearby trees was congruent with large-log removal with a winch, dragging logs from the bush toward the road.
BC Parks Conservation Mission Statement: “BC Parks actively manages protected areas to conserve natural and cultural values found within our diverse system. Establishing parks, ecological reserves and protected areas is an important first step to ensure that natural and cultural values are afforded legal protection. Parks and protected areas are managed for important conservation values and are dedicated for the preservation of their natural environments, and the enjoyment of the public.”
All the natural resources within a Provincial Park are protected and must not be granted, sold, removed, destroyed, damaged, disturbed or exploited except as authorized by a valid and subsisting Park Use Permit. A person who contravenes any provision of the Park Act commits an offence and is liable to a fine of up to $1 000 000 or a term of imprisonment of not more than one year or both.
There is a high probability that those responsible for this tree theft live close to Columbia Lake Provincial Park in the Fairmont area, and have sold the wood locally for firewood and/or milling. The Conservation Officer Service is seeking assistance from anyone with information on this blatant disregard for the natural resources within this protected conservation area. Some of the Douglas Fir cut down would be over 100 year old trees. Information that leads to the apprehension of the responsible party may be eligible for a cash reward from the BC Wildlife Federation.
Please contact the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters Line at 1-877-952-7277 with any details on this crime. Callers may remain anonymous.
